The Model and Me: Maiocchi

I’m a very big supporter of Australian and Queensland designers.

Maiocchi has long been on my fave list and it’s even more the case now that I live just minutes from one of its stores in Brisbane (incidentally Sydney-siders, Maiocchi just last week opened its first store in your city on Oxford St).

I love many things about this label: the use of predominantly natural fibres, the timelessness of the designs, the quirkiness of the prints used, the attention to detail in patterning and the campaign it featured last year using customers as models.

But perhaps the biggest thumbs up is for the fact that the label is still designed and manufactured in Brisbane.

So when you are investing in a Maiocchi piece for a special occasion or just to make any occasion special, you are investing in an Australian fashion economy.

The frock I’m featuring today fits that bill and would do admirably if asked to partner you to an autumn wedding or to the races. Once it had done it’s time as a special occasion frock, it would also work fabulously for the office, on its own or with a blazer.

Here it is on the model.

The model

and me

The cut of this dress is the ideal cut for me if I’m going to opt for a dress with structure. I need it to emphasise the upper waist, not the mid or lower as I have a short waist that sits above wide hips.

At the same time that I tried on this dress, I tried on this one. I wanted to love it but it didn’t love me. The lower waist meant that it sent the bottom half of the dress out over my hips in an extremely non-flattering way.

This one hugs and skims in the right places. I love the combination of the chartreuse underneath the midnight blue. It’s a colour way that works for me but also is one that I’d happily wear year after year.

When I was in store I spotted the pineapple brooch and of course just had to buy it. The designer is also Brisbane-based and has a veritable treasure trove on offer in her Etsy store.

Etsy is also where I found the clutch by Minty Baxter after a hot tip from a SY reader (thank-you to all those readers who see anything with a pineapple motif and alert me immediately … Mr SY doesn’t like you so much but I LOVE you!). Turns out this designer is based on the Sunshine Coast. She too has so much to offer in her store.

The heels are from about five years ago. A sale purchase that have served me very well. The height is one I can get away with for an event but still looks dressed up to suit the event.

Are you a Maiocchi fan? Got an occasion coming up that would work for a dress like this?

That is a fabulous dress and I love the brooch and clutch. I visited the Maiocchi shop when I was last up in Brisbane for work. Super cute clothes!

http://www.stylingyou.com.au/ Nikki | Styling You

They do fabulous clothes Alison!

http://www.msmysterycase.com/ Mystery Case

I’m loving everything about this look, apart from the shoes. Perhaps something in yellow with a bit more height? Although having said that I can no longer wear ridiculously high shoes. I last all of five minutes and almost need a trip to the Chiro.

http://www.stylingyou.com.au/ Nikki | Styling You

For sure – if the occasion fitted then a statement shoe would be the go. I probably would go yellow as it would be difficult to work it in with the chartreuse but I do have chartreuse wedges that would work for a more casual outing. This outfit I’ve done was with a wedding or the races in mind.

http://www.redcliffestyle.com/ Rachel from Redcliffe Style

I love this dress on you. That is one of my favourite sleeve lengths, is such a classic. Rachel x

http://www.stylingyou.com.au/ Nikki | Styling You

My thought exactly and thanks for showcasing 40+ style on your blog x

Maxabella

This one suits your figure beautifully, Nikki and I LOVE your little pineapple brooch. I would have loved to have seen more of a statement ‘shoe’ to lift the conservativeness of the outfit. But that’s probably just me!!! x

http://www.stylingyou.com.au/ Nikki | Styling You

I think it does lend itself to a statement shoe and I have just the one – for a races or wedding outfit I’d style a neutral – for a fun lunch with the girls, a statement.

MotherDownUnder

I love Maiocchi…such a great label and such a cute store!
And I love your pineapple touches!

http://www.stylingyou.com.au/ Nikki | Styling You

It so is MDU! And you’ll always find pineapples … always!

http://www.frockitall.com/ Steph Allen

The navy and blue combo looks great on you

http://www.stylingyou.com.au/ Nikki | Styling You

Thanks – it’s a gorgeous fresh colourway for autumn.

Kathryn

Such a great dress. And yes, I’m a Maiocchi fan. Mostly skirts as I haven’t been able to find a dress that suits my shape. But I’m no quitter

http://www.stylingyou.com.au/ Nikki | Styling You

Love that you’re not a quitter, Kathryn!

StyledbyBec

I love supporting local designers and Australian made when I can. This dress looks stunning and I love the pineapple brooch. Mum and I were commenting on how amazing you’ve been looking too Nikki. x

http://www.stylingyou.com.au/ Nikki | Styling You

It is great to do that when we can Bec – and thanks to you and your mum x

JP

Love Maiocchi and this number looks terrific on you.. well done!

http://www.stylingyou.com.au/ Nikki | Styling You

Thanks JP. Love Maiocchi too.

Mish Young

I LOVE Maiocchi but only have one dress & two skirts, but I’m always working on adding more to my wardrobe. Great dress I’m a pear shape, so I think the other style may suit me better.

It might sound silly by I posted a photo of me wearing a Maiocchi dress on IG the other week & Deanne made a lovely comment – it absolutely made my day!

http://www.stylingyou.com.au/ Nikki | Styling You

I’m a pear shape with a short waist Mish. That’s why the one I linked to didn’t work – flared out and emphasised my widest bit.

And it doesn’t sound silly – Deanne is SO lovely and I’m not surprised she left a comment.

Petra

I really love the accessories Nikki – the fun brooch and handbag make the dress more interesting. A dress for every occasion.

http://www.stylingyou.com.au/ Nikki | Styling You

I love a fun accessory or two Petra – conversation starters!

http://www.styleandshenanigans.com/ Vanessa

What a beautiful dress! You were it so well, it looks great on you. I am loving all things pineapple too! x

http://www.stylingyou.com.au/ Nikki | Styling You

Pineapple fans unite! x

http://www.hippiemumma.com/ Jackie @ Hippie Mumma

Holy crap you are ROCKING this dress woman! xx

http://www.stylingyou.com.au/ Nikki | Styling You

Thanks Jackie x

http://www.hairromance.com Christina @ Hair Romance

you look gorgeous! Love the cut-out details and the fab brooch x

http://www.stylingyou.com.au/ Nikki | Styling You

Such a beautiful dress Christina! We need to fit in Paddington shopping next time you’re here!

http://www.applebeelane.com.au Sandie @ AppleBee Lane

This dress is gorgeous and looks very classic. Isn’t it wonderful that this brand has resisted the temptation to manufacture overseas. I love supporting companies that do this and keep their profits in Australia!

http://www.stylingyou.com.au/ Nikki | Styling You

It is so wonderful Sandie!

Lisa Mckenzie

I love this dress on you Nikki and it does fit the bill for a special a occasion such as a wedding .I do love that it is midnight blue and not black and the chartreuse looks very chic and the brooch and bag add a touch of fun to your outfit.Very nice dress!

http://www.stylingyou.com.au/ Nikki | Styling You

Thanks Lisa … love a touch of fun to a structured outfit!

http://soniastyling.com/ Sonia from Sonia Styling

I do love a splash of chartreuse – I rocked a longline tank in that very colour on Saturday! You look tres chic and sophisticated. A fabulous dress that could go from the boardroom to the bar.

http://www.stylingyou.com.au/ Nikki | Styling You

I saw your chartreuse splash and loved it Miss Sonia!

Johanne Taylor

I do like a dress with a sleeve and in my book it is more versatile for my work travel where I often have to deal with hot and humid outside and over-air-conditioned inside.

http://www.stylingyou.com.au/ Nikki | Styling You

It is more versatile Johanne and if in a breathable fabric works across the seasons.